Alexandros Karaiskakis moved Istanbul with “Asteromata”
The World Massage Championship, held in Istanbul under the auspices of the World Massage Federation, brought together top athletes and professionals from around the globe.
Among the standout participants was Greek champion Alexandros Karaiskakis, who impressed both the audience and the judges by choosing the song “Asteromata”, known from Eurovision, for his competitive performance. The song echoed powerfully throughout the arena, creating moments of deep emotion and national pride.
M1 All Star Category – and the Twist
Karaiskakis was set to compete in the elite M1 All Star category, the highest professional level worldwide, featuring the biggest names in massage performance. However, an unexpected development occurred: although the category had been formed, his opponents withdrew at the last moment, leading to its cancellation.
This did not deter the Greek athlete. In coordination with the World Massage Federation, he presented his unique performance during the closing ceremony of the championship, sending a strong and proud message:
Greece is present — and leading.
Watch Karaiskakis’ performance here:
A Collective National Success
The achievement was not individual. The Greek National Massage Team returned home with an impressive total of 46 world medals, bringing not only awards but also honor and pride to the country.
Alexandros Karaiskakis warmly thanked:
- the World Massage Federation for the excellent organization,
- his mentor Georgios Thoktaridis,
- his fellow athletes Angeliki Xenaki and Channa Geremengko for their support during preparation,
- his family for their constant backing,
- and his close friend Lefteris for always standing by him.
The performance was dedicated to the entire Greek National Massage Team, its remarkable achievements, and to all Greeks.
Flag Bearer & Coach of Champions
At this year’s World Championship, Karaiskakis also held the honorary role of flag bearer of the Greek delegation, in recognition of his outstanding career and achievements in 2024, as a holder of 7 world titles across all massage disciplines.
In parallel, he participated as a coach, guiding 7 athletes, who together achieved an extraordinary result:
33 world medals.
Deeply moved, he stated that being chosen as flag bearer was an incredible honor and expressed immense pride in his athletes and in the spirit of the entire National Team.
The World Massage Championship is an international institution of high prestige, with standards and an organizational structure comparable to major global sporting events, similar to the Olympic Games.
It is held annually under the auspices of the World Massage Federation, bringing together the world’s leading massage athletes and professionals.
The President of the Federation is the Greek Georgios Thoktaridis, who is also the mentor of Alexandros Karaiskakis, highlighting the expertise and global strength of Greek massage at an international level.
Statement by the President of the Federation
The President of the World Massage Federation, Mr. Georgios Thoktaridis, stated:
“Alexandros Karaiskakis is a world champion with numerous distinctions, both in Greece and internationally.
When it was announced that he would compete in the M1 All Star category, his opponents did not appear for the competition.
This alone says a great deal about the level of Greek massage on the global stage.”
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